While I'm certainly not on the national and international level of many photogs on here (and never will be), my work is pretty well known throughout the northern tier of PA.
To that end, I received an email from a federal credit union branching out into my home county from their base in New York state. They asked if I had any photos of the "Endless Mountains" that they could use on their ATM screens. First, I was excited by the application--I do get more requests than you'd think for photos, but this was a first! Electronic screens for all kinds of banking customers.
They selected two images from the 10 or so I sent and asked about price. I gave them $XXX amount for one, and $XXX amount for the two. They went and selected the two photos for a single price, good.
BUT, then my contact discussed how they'd like to use them in "other" ways... RED FLAG!!! While needing the money they agreed to, I still decided to take a stand and say that I would not be able to give them the high-res images to use as they please for the cost quoted, how this is a flash point for artists/photographers, etc. etc.
So I gave them some examples of what I thought was fair... they agreed and DOUBLED the initial compensation I first gave them, and everyone is now happy. And my photos will again be marketed in a way I couldn't do by myself.
Just a little story I thought I'd share. Don't be afraid to stand up for your (copy)rights!!
By the way, I did grant them unlimited, global use of the photos in all radio advertising they do.
Posted by Lorna Taylor on March 29, 2012 at 2:56 PM
Congratulations I am glad it work out for everyone in the end and everyone got what they though was fair value for the work !
Posted by Gary McGhee on March 29, 2012 at 3:46 PM
Brilliant news Bill.
Gary.
Posted by Lon Overacker on March 29, 2012 at 3:46 PM
Congratulations Bill, I'm glad for you. Kudos for standing up and having enough savvy to know that extended use of your images should demand more. I don't know if you provided a "contract" or terms of use, but I would encourage you to research even more in this area especially as you get more requests. Worldwide, unlimited usage (that means distribution and duration (forever) can and should demand a CONSIDERABLE higher price tag than a limited, one-time use with limited distribution - say your county or state vs. WW. I'm sure you're already aware and thinking about it. Congrats.
Thank you everyone!! Yes Lon, I'm still in the learning process here, and am trying to use some guidelines from reliable sources. This is not like it's Bank of America, so the usage is within reasonable limits given the fee. The desire to get work out there, and get paid for it, has to be tempered by common sense and standing up for your rights as the property owner.
Posted by Andy Richards on April 1, 2012 at 11:31 AM
Bill: Congratulations. I have had (smaller scale) similar experience. I have been surprise at how much of it is genuine ignorance of the value of and amount of work that goes into photography, and how once you explain this to them, they are often understanding and will agree to fairer terms. Sometimes, all good negotiation involves is a polite explanation. Sounds like you made that approach work for you.
Discussion
5 repliesTo that end, I received an email from a federal credit union branching out into my home county from their base in New York state. They asked if I had any photos of the "Endless Mountains" that they could use on their ATM screens. First, I was excited by the application--I do get more requests than you'd think for photos, but this was a first! Electronic screens for all kinds of banking customers.
They selected two images from the 10 or so I sent and asked about price. I gave them $XXX amount for one, and $XXX amount for the two. They went and selected the two photos for a single price, good.
BUT, then my contact discussed how they'd like to use them in "other" ways... RED FLAG!!! While needing the money they agreed to, I still decided to take a stand and say that I would not be able to give them the high-res images to use as they please for the cost quoted, how this is a flash point for artists/photographers, etc. etc.
So I gave them some examples of what I thought was fair... they agreed and DOUBLED the initial compensation I first gave them, and everyone is now happy. And my photos will again be marketed in a way I couldn't do by myself.
Just a little story I thought I'd share. Don't be afraid to stand up for your (copy)rights!!
By the way, I did grant them unlimited, global use of the photos in all radio advertising they do.
Gary.